Hello Friends!
It has been far too long since I have posted an update about my
journey here in Tumu. So much has happened these past several months, and
I can’t believe that I only have a handful of weeks left in Ghana. I will
be using my remaining time finishing up the lessons I had planned for these ministries, clubs and classes I have been leading. It’s truly unbelievable how fast time goes by!
Ministries
I had a long and much needed break over Christmas because the
children were on holiday from school. My team and I took a holiday
ourselves and traveled around Ghana a bit. We had such a fun time, but I
was ready to get back into the swing of things. I am now back into
my normal daily routine of working with my Children’s Bible Clubs, classes at
The Vision Academy, and my Sunday School class. It was so encouraging to
come back after having been gone for over a month and to ask the children
questions about what they had learned over the past 8 months and to see how
much they remembered and how eager they were to learn more about God’s Word. I was so encouraged and it was just what I needed! I can see
that these children are developing a desire and a hunger to know God and it is
very exciting for me to see the excitement these children now have for God’s Word. I am so very thankful to God for allowing me the privilege to
witness this. At times, it can be discouraging to not see any fruit
from your labor, even though we know we will not always have that joy, but it’s
so nice when you do! Please be praying for me as I only have a
handful of weeks left with these children before I have to begin saying goodbye
to them. Also be praying that some of the people from the surrounding churches who have shown interest in children's ministry would join Jo and Penny in making sure these ministries continue after I leave.
CHANGE
My time in Ghana has been full of incredible adventure. When
I look back at who I was 9 months ago, it’s incredible to me to see how much
I’ve changed. God has been working on my heart and I have never been in
such a close oneness with my savior. When I was leaving home to begin
this journey everyone kept telling me how much this time was going to impact me
and I knew it would, but I had no idea it would be this much! I have
learned so much since being here and this post would be chapters long if I were
to tell all that has happened.
Over these months here in Ghana, God has been continually not only
testing me and challenging me, but He has been revealing many things to me, as
well. Through this experience I have learned so much and have developed a
relationship deeper with God than I ever thought possible. I feel like
God has used this time to mature me both mentally and spiritually as it has
forced me way outside of my comfort zone. I have found that this is where
God sometimes does His best work. I have truly realized how much I need
God every minute of each day and I now know how vital it is to having a
consistent relationship with God and to seek his face every day. I
have been learning about the importance of prayer and that the whole point of
prayer is to have a perfect and complete oneness with God. While in Ghana
I have found that my identity is in Christ and Christ alone and not in anyone
else. I have had the privilege of learning about love, and how to truly
love others as myself and to become bold and not so timid in my faith.
All in all, I have learned to trust completely in God and have found that
there is such a great peace that comes when you rest in Him.
This journey has
been challenging and difficult at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I am so thankful that God brought me here to this place called Ghana.
I am here because of your support and I cannot begin to ever thank
you enough. Please continue to keep me and my ministries in your prayers.
Love,
-Josie
